CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — A flash flood watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County Foothills from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford.
Heavy rainfall is expected during this period resulting in rapid rises along small streams and rivers and the threat of flash flooding.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are likely with local amounts of up to 6 inches, resulting in the possibility of the flooding of roads and highways. Rock slides and mud and debris flows are possible forcing road closures, particularly in the vicinity of burn scars.
Heavy rains also increase the possibility of downed trees, causing local power outages.
In the Yosemite area, a winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon until 4 p.m. on Thursday above 7,000 feet, with snow accumulation of more than two feet anticipated.
Snow levels are expected to start at around 4,500 ft. on Tuesday evening, Rising to 7,000 ft. Wednesday into Thursday.
The NWS warns that the heavy snow will make many road impassable and may produce widespread power outages due to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines. Strong winds may lead to blowing snow, reduced visibility and additional power outages.
Yosemite forecast:
Today: Snow likely in the morning. Snow with rain likely in the afternoon. Near the crest…snow in the afternoon. Breezy. Not as cold. Snow accumulation up to 5 inches. Snow level 5,000 feet. Highs 38 to 44 at 5,000 feet…30 to 35 at 8,000 feet. South winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 45 mph over higher elevations.
Tonight: Rain…snow…windy. Snow accumulation up to 16 inches. Snow level 6,000 feet. Lows 31 to 38 at 5000 feet… 21 to 29 at 8,000 feet. South winds around 25 mph with gusts to around 50 mph after midnight. Over higher elevations…southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts to around 65 mph.
Tomorrow: Rain and snow…snow near the crest. Windy. Snow accumulation up to 17 inches. Snow level 7,500 feet. Highs 41 to 47 at 5,000 feet…33 to 39 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds around 25 mph with gusts to around 50 mph…southwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts to around 70 mph over higher elevations.
